The community celebrated more affordable homeownership Tuesday. Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley is well on the way to ‘Build to 200’ homes by the end of 2028, and one project at a time, the organization is nearing its goal. The latest development is a partnership with Eagle County School District at IK Bar in Gypsum.
“After 8 years of working multiple jobs to fix my credit and get out of debt, I can finally give a home to my children that they can call their own. I have a career that I love. I am able to give back to the community I grew up in,” shares Sydni, a future Habitat homeowner at IK Bar in Gypsum. “This is more than a home to us — it’s fresh start, it’s a step toward stability. It’s the proof to my children that no matter what life thr
ows at you, never give up on yourself or your dreams.”
Sydni captured the ‘why’ of Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley at the wall raising in Gypsum Tuesday afternoon.
And Sydni is part of the ‘who’ Habitat builds with. These homes are part of Habitat Vail Valley’s plan to ‘Build to 200’ homes by the end of 2028. The IK Bar project is the latest partnership with Eagle County School District.
“This marks our third partnership with Eagle County School District, and we’re honored to help bring these homes to market for district employees,” says Emily Peyton, VP of Operations at Habitat Vail Valley. “Our educators and district staff contribute so much to this community every day, and we’re proud to support them by creating opportunities for permanently affordable homeownership.”
A little rain could not dampen the high spirits of the future Habitat homeowners, partners and volunteers who gathered to raise a wall on one of the homes. The slab foundation became the stage as homeowners met their new neighbors and envisioned future dinner parties.
This isn’t the first dinner-party dream: Other school district employees have benefited from the Habitat Vail Valley and Eagle County School District partnership at Grace Avenue in Gypsum and Adam’s Way in Eagle. The long-standing collaboration paved the way for this new project in Gypsum.
“The shared vision between ECSD and Habitat for Humanity continues to help us succeed in achieving our housing goals. The townhomes at IK Bar are just another example of how our partnership helps District staff find a pathway to homeownership,” says Phil Qualman, Superintendent of ECSD.
Permanently affordable homes lead to a stronger community where people not only can dream but can become homeowners, like Sydni. “I was born and raised in Eagle County. I am a school bus driver and trainer for the district. I am a single mom of two amazing boys who are my world and the reason why I keep going every day.
“The opportunity to build and own a home in the valley I grew up in means that all the pieces have finally come together. I have also watched my boys thrive as they have found themselves in sports and being surrounded by family. They have had so much support in a community that shaped me.”
The school district’s master housing plan speaks to the importance of community as it helps district employees build a life through affordable homeownership. ECSD looked to Habitat, the local affordable home developers, to put the plan into action.
“The school district has been an invaluable partner to us,” Emily adds. “Access to land is one of the greatest challenges in Eagle County, and the district’s land donation makes these homes possible. Combined with the ‘Habitat advantage’, our ability to leverage every dollar and donation, we’re able to build high-quality homes as efficiently and affordably as possible.”
Since 1995 when Habitat Vail Valley was founded, the organization has helped more than 600 people build and then buy their homes. This year alone, there will be 39 home closings from Vail to Gypsum. Learn more at habitatvailvalley.org.
